Happy TravellerWelcome to Douglasville, the county seat of Douglas County, Georgia, United States. Located approximately 20 miles west of Atlanta, Douglasville is a vibrant city that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you’re a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, or a foodie, there’s something for everyone in Douglasville.
History:
Douglasville was founded in 1874 as the railroad was constructed in the area. That same year, Douglasville was designated as the county seat of the recently formed Douglas County. The community was named for Senator Stephen A. Douglas of Illinois. Today, visitors can explore the city’s rich history by visiting the Central Business District of downtown Douglasville, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a historic district. The majority of the buildings are one- and two-story brick structures dating from the mid-19th century into the mid-20th century. Most are of Victorian-era commercial design set flush with the sidewalk. The buildings styles include Romanesque, Italianate, and Queen Anne. Many of the doorways and windows have Gothic arched openings and hooded windows.
Geography:
Douglasville is located in north-central Douglas County at 33°44′59″N 84°43′23″W (33.749824, −84.723190). Lithia Springs is 6 miles to the northeast along U.S. Route 78, and Villa Rica is 10 miles to the west. Hiram is 9 miles to the north via SR 92. Interstate 20 passes south of downtown, leading east 22 miles to downtown Atlanta and west 125 miles to Birmingham, Alabama. I-20 provides access to the city from exits 34, 36, and 37. According to the United States Census Bureau, Douglasville has a total area of 22.6 square miles, of which 22.5 square miles is land and 0.1 square miles, or 0.58%, is water.
Demographics:
As of the 2020 United States Census, there were 34,650 people, 12,675 households, and 7,833 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,376 inhabitants per square mile. The racial makeup of the city was 55.9% African American, 36.0% White (33.4% Non-Hispanic White), 0.2% Native American, 1.8% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 3.3% from other races, and 2.8% from two or more races. 7.2% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
Economy:
The historic Downtown hosts many shops and eateries. A vibrant business area in Douglasville is located south of the city between Chapel Hill Road and Georgia State Route 5, around the Douglas Boulevard Corridor. Arbor Place Mall is located in this area, as are many major retail stores and fast food chains. The Fairburn Road area also hosts many shops, food stores and fast food spots. Some vacated to make way for an expansion of the highway in early 2008. Expansion is aided by the Douglasville Development Authority. In recent years, the historic downtown district and surrounding areas have become favorite backdrops for the film industry. Productions include Netflix’s Stranger Things (2016), The Founder (2015), Mocking Jay Part 1 (2014), Catching Fire (2013), Finding Carter (MTV series 2014), and Kill the Messenger (2014).
Points of Interest:
The Central Business District of downtown Douglasville is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a historic district; it is an outstanding example of a turn-of-the-century southern railroad town. The majority
